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Your Health This Fall

Learn what you can do to stay safe and healthy during the fall season.

Your Health This Fall

As the season changes so may some of our health and safety concerns.

Fall is here and the days are getting shorter. With less hours of daylight, many of us may get less physical activity. We may also spend more time snacking in front of the television, or eating bigger meals as the festive season gets underway. The beginning of fall also signals the start of cold and flu season. Our children are back in school or daycare, which is not only a change in routine, but can also increase the chances of spreading germs.

As our regular routines and activities change, so will our health concerns. It is important you have the information you need to take care of yourself and your family and to continue to eat healthy and stay active. Learn how to stay safe and healthy this fall.

Featured Topics

Back to School

For information about how to help your child stay safe and learn healthy lifestyle habits this school year, visit our Back To School health feature.

Cold Weather

Learn what you can do to make sure you stay safe as the temperature drops.

Flu Season

The flu is an infection of the upper airway caused by an influenza virus. Every year there is a period of time where there are more outbreaks of the flu, this is called flu season. For more information about the flu and flu season, visit our Influenza (Flu) Season health feature.

Halloween

There is a lot of fun to be had during the Halloween season, but it is also important that you keep your family safe and healthy. Get tips on how to stay safe while still enjoying the festivities of the season. 

For more information related to health and safety during the Halloween season, visit the Government of Canada – Halloween safety or HealthyFamiliesBC’s blog posts Frightfully-Fun Halloween Give Outs and A Healthy Hallowe’en.

Healthy Eating

Spending more time indoors and at home might make you open that refrigerator more often. Get tips on how to maintain a healthy eating lifestyle this fall.

For additional healthy eating information or advice you can also call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered dietitian or Email a HealthLinkBC Dietitian.

Indoor Air Quality

With shorter daylight hours and colder outdoor temperature, you will likely be spending more time indoors. Learn about indoor air quality and how to stay safe.

Make sure to test your carbon monoxide detectors regularly, and replace the batteries every 6 months. An easy way to remember is to change the batteries when you set the clock back (in the fall) or forward (in the spring).

Stay Active

Don’t let the dark and cold nights keep you from staying active. Physical activity is a key factor in keeping you and your family healthy.

For more physical activity information or advice you can also call 8-1-1 to speak with a qualified exercise professional or Email Physical Activity Services.

When to Take Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria and can treat infections such as strep throat or sinus infections. They do not work against illnesses caused by a virus such as the common cold or the flu. Learn more about when you should and shouldn’t use antibiotics.

For more information about using antibiotics, visit BC Centre for Disease Control – Do Bugs Needs Drugs?

Useful Websites

ImmunizeBC

ImmunizeBC works to improve the health of British Columbians and reduce the number of infections by vaccine-preventable diseases by providing information on immunizations to individuals, families, and health care providers. They also provide tools to make it easier for B.C. families to get immunized.

Last Reviewed: August 2017

Is it an emergency?

If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control now at 1-800-567-8911.

Thanks to our partners and endorsers:

Northern HealthBritish Columbia College of Family PhysiciansProvincial Health Services AuthorityVancouver Coastal HealthBritish Columbia Medical Association: Doctors of BCIsland HealthCollege of Pharmacists of British ColumbiaCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of British ColumbiaFraser Health AuthorityCollege of Dietitians of British ColumbiaInterior HealthCollege of Dental Surgeons of British ColumbiaBC Centre for Disease Control